A plaque commemorating organ donors in Tayside was unveiled today on Monday, May 25, at Ninewells Hospital by NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson.

The plaque will be on display beside the three colourful stained glass windows which were commissioned by NHS Tayside’s Organ Donation Committee in partnership with local charity REVIVAL to acknowledge and pay tribute to those who have made the gift of organ and tissue donation.

The windows, entitled ‘The Gift’, which capture the spirit of organ and tissue donation are situated at the end of the concourse at Ninewells. They act as a permanent memorial to those who became organ and tissue donors and also encourage others to take time to consider their own organ donor wishes.

Tayside Health Fund in partnership with local charity Revival provided funds for the design and installation of the stained glass windows which were created by local stained glass artist Liz Rowley.

Leaflets which explain why the windows were created have also been developed and are available for the first time today.

The leaflets, as well as information on how to become an organ donor, can be found beside the windows on the concourse.

NHS Tayside Chairman and co-chair of NHS Tayside Organ Donation Committee Mr Sandy Watson said: “These stained glass windows are a fitting memorial to all those who have generously donated the gift of life to others.

“I am delighted that this plaque and leaflets are now in place to explain why the windows are here and also to prompt the question of organ donation.

“Tayside’s figure of 42.3 per cent for those joining the Organ Donation register is above the national average. However, I feel it is important to acknowledge the difficult and heartbreaking decisions that have had to taken by many families but also the incredible life changing effect their decision can have for a donor recipient and their families.”

If you believe in organ donation, prove it. Register now at www.organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.